Families currently in the process of adopting a child from Korea can anticipate a 14-15 month wait for child referral.
We received two in December and both were children who were 11 months old. Though no referrals were issued January, we expect that future ones will be of children ages 10-18 months. Therefore, when your child comes home, he or she will be approximately 15-24 months old.

With that, your home study will need to reflect your openness to a child up to 24-months old at the time of placement. If you are already awaiting a referral, please speak with your worker to update or amend your home study right away. And please send a copy of the updated or amended home study to Spence-Chapin along with an amended I-600A approval which should reflect the child approved age to 24 months.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea did not issue any travel visas in January. Due in part to a typical slowdown as they approach the New Year and reviewing/revising of adoption policies within the ministry.

Update: As a reminder, families adopting from Korea must meet all the eligibility requirements set by Korea and SWS throughout their adoption process.